"When his schedule allows he comes to watch us, because he supports the team, and he's been here a few times for training sessions ahead of the game.

"He's met all the players, but I should probably say they've met him because there are certainly a few wives, girlfriends and daughters glad that he's been around."

The 22-year-old missed out on a planned appearance in September after being injured in a charity fixture.

However, he will pull on the red and white jersey in their last Final Third Development League game of the season.

The Keepmoat Stadium is anticipating an influx of Directioners - the collective name for the group's fanatical followers - for the fixture, with some travelling from as far afield as Denmark, France and Italy.

It is not known whether Tomlinson, who picked up two Brit Awards with his 1D band-mates last week and boasts 15.5m Twitter followers, will start the match but he is guaranteed to be given the chance to prove his footballing 'X Factor' at some stage.

The club have yet to sound out their most famous fan as a potential investor, but will be keeping tabs on his on-field performance.

Lockwood added: "There's not been a conversation about investing in the club as far as I'm aware.

"I suspect he's probably more focused on his own career for the time being. But the manager (Paul Dickov) has told Louis he'll be keeping an eye on him though, so we'll have to see how he plays!"